NRNP 6665 CONTROVERSY ASSOCIATED WITH DISSOCIATIVE DISORDERS

A Sample Answer For the Assignment: NRNP 6665 CONTROVERSY ASSOCIATED WITH DISSOCIATIVE DISORDERS

Title: NRNP 6665 CONTROVERSY ASSOCIATED WITH DISSOCIATIVE DISORDERS

Controversy Associated with Dissociative Disorders

The controversy surrounding dissociative disorders, such as dissociative identity disorder (DID), formerly known as multiple personality disorder, stems from several key areas of debate and skepticism within the field of psychology and psychiatry.Dissociative disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by disruptions or discontinuities in a person’s memory, identity, consciousness, or perception of their surroundings. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the controversy surrounding these disorders.

Controversy Surrounding Dissociative Disorders

Some experts question the validity of dissociative disorders as legitimate psychiatric diagnoses. Critics argue that other mental health conditions, such as amnesia, identity fragmentation, and depersonalization, can better explain the symptoms associated with dissociative disorders, such as mood disorders or trauma-related disorders (Blihar et al., 2020). This skepticism is fueled by the lack of clear diagnostic criteria and objective measures for diagnosing dissociative disorders, leading some to question the accuracy and reliability of the diagnosis. The link between dissociative disorders and trauma, particularly childhood trauma, is a subject of ongoing debate. Proponents of the trauma theory argue that dissociative disorders result from severe trauma, often experienced during childhood, and are a coping mechanism to escape from overwhelming psychological pain (Temple, 2019). However, some critics challenge this theory, suggesting that therapists may construct or suggest the concept of dissociation and the memories of trauma, leading to the iatrogenic creation of false memories. There is often an overlap of symptoms between dissociative disorders and other mental health conditions, such as personality disorders, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders, leading to questions about the distinctiveness of dissociative disorders. Additionally, co-morbidity, or multiple mental health conditions in the same individual, is common in dissociative disorders, further complicating accurate diagnosis and assessment. Dissociative amnesia, a core symptom of dissociative disorders, involves memory loss for crucial personal information (Temple, 2019). Some critics question the validity of dissociative amnesia, arguing that it may result from other factors, such as stress, neurological conditions, or malingering, rather than a genuine psychological phenomenon.

Professional Beliefs about Dissociative Disorders

My personal belief is that dissociative disorders are real and valid psychiatric conditions (Ross et al., 2020).Dissociative disorders, including dissociative identity disorder (DID), are recognized as legitimate psychiatric disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association. They are not considered as mere fabrications or feigning of symptoms, but rather as genuine psychological conditions that require clinical attention and treatment. I also have a strong conviction that childhood trauma is a significant risk factor as demonstrated by Imperatori et al (2023). There is strong evidence linking childhood trauma, including physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, to the development of dissociative disorders. Research published in reputable journals, such as the Journal of Trauma & Dissociation and the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, has consistently shown that a history of childhood trauma is a significant risk factor for the development of dissociative disorders.

Maintaining A Therapeutic Relationship With A Client With A Dissociative Disorder

Establishing trust and creating a safe therapeutic environment is crucial when working with clients with dissociative disorders. These clients may have a history of trauma and struggle with trust and safety issues. It is essential to approach therapy with empathy, non-judgment, and unconditional positive regard. This can be achieved by using trauma-informed approaches, such as establishing clear boundaries, being transparent about the therapeutic process, and using grounding techniques to help the client feel safe and present at the moment (Dodier, 2019). Collaborative treatment planning involves involving the client in decision-making regarding their treatment goals and strategies. This helps to empower the client and gives them a sense of ownership over their therapeutic journey. Collaborative treatment planning may involve developing a shared understanding of the client’s symptoms and their meaning, exploring coping strategies, and identifying triggers and warning signs for dissociation (Miller et al., 2019). Grounding and stabilization techniques are essential in working with clients with dissociative disorders. These techniques help clients manage dissociative symptoms and enhance their capacity to stay in the therapeutic relationship. Grounding techniques, such as breathing exercises, mindfulness, and sensory awareness, can help the client to feel more connected to their body and the present moment. Stabilization techniques, such as emotional regulation, self-soothing, and internal communication skills, can help clients manage distress and stabilize their emotions (Gentile et al., 2020).

Ethical and Legal Considerations in Dissociative Disorders

As a mental health practitioner, knowing and understanding the ethical and legal considerations related to dissociative disorders is essential to provide responsible and effective care to individuals with such conditions. The following are three crucial ethical and legal considerations that should be brought into practice. Dissociative disorders can manifest differently in individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, and cultural factors may impact the diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of dissociative disorders (Miller et al., 2019). Mental health practitioners should be sensitive to cultural differences and consider the influence of culture on the presentation and treatment of dissociative disorders.

Conclusion

Dissociative disorders are complex and controversial conditions that continue to be debated among mental health professionals, researchers, and advocates. Dissociative disorders’ controversies encompass diagnosis and validity, trauma and memory, sociocultural factors, treatment approaches, and legal and forensic issues. Further research, clinical expertise, and interdisciplinary collaboration are needed to advance our understanding of these conditions and their clinical management.

References

Blihar, D., Delgado, E., Buryak, M., Gonzalez, M., & Waechter, R. (2020). A systematic review of the neuroanatomy of dissociative identity disorder. European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 4(3), 100148. Dodier, O. (2019). A bibliometric analysis of the recovered memory controversy in the 21st century. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 33(4), 571-584. Gentile, J. P., Dillon, K. S., & Camelo, L. (2020). Treating complex trauma and dissociation: A practical guide to navigating therapeutic challenges. Springer Publishing Company. Imperatori, C., Barchielli, B., Corazza, O., Carbone, G. A., Prevete, E., Montaldo, S., … & Bersani, F. S. (2023). The Relationship Between Childhood Trauma, Pathological Dissociation, and Behavioral Addictions in Young Adults: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 24(3), 348-361. Lebois, L. A., Kaplan, C. S., Palermo, C. A., Pan, X., & Kaufman, M. L. (2022). A grounded theory of dissociative identity disorder: Placing DID in mind, brain, and body. In Dissociation and the Dissociative Disorders (pp. 392-408). Routledge. Miller, A., Foote, B., & Osborne, V. (2019). A contemporary approach to the psychotherapy of dissociative identity disorder: Theoretical and treatment implications. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 20(2), 246-261 Ross, C. A., Ridgway, J., & George, N. (2020). Maladaptive daydreaming, dissociation, and the dissociative disorders. Psychiatric Research and Clinical Practice, 2(2), 53-61. Temple, M. J. (2019). Understanding, identifying and managing severe dissociative disorders in general psychiatric settings. BJPsych Advances, 25(1), 14-25.

Sample Answer for NRNP 6665 CONTROVERSY ASSOCIATED WITH DISSOCIATIVE DISORDERS Included

NRNP 6665 CONTROVERSY ASSOCIATED WITH DISSOCIATIVE DISORDERS

TO PREPARE

• Review this week’s Learning Resources on dissociative disorders.
• Use the Walden Library to investigate the controversy regarding dissociative disorders. Locate at least three scholarly articles that you can use to support your Assignment.

THE ASSIGNMENT (2–3 PAGES)

• Explain the controversy that surrounds dissociative disorders.
• Explain your professional beliefs about dissociative disorders, supporting your rationale with at least three scholarly references from the literature.
• Explain strategies for maintaining the therapeutic relationship with a client that may present with a dissociative disorder.
• Finally, explain ethical and legal considerations related to dissociative disorders that you need to bring to your practice and why they are important.

BY DAY 7 OF WEEK 9

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